2013 RAMEY Wine Cellars Claret Napa Valley

$40.00

92
WE
88
WA

Elevate your wine experience with the 2013 Ramey Claret. Crafted by the esteemed David Ramey, this Bordeaux-inspired blend exudes sophistication with its dark fruit and velvety texture. Secure your bottle now to indulge in the artistry of Napa Valley—each sip a celebration of Ramey’s winemaking excellence. Cheers to savoring this limited-edition vintage and enhancing your moments with the finest California Claret.

Volume: 750 ML | 14.5% ABV

3 in stock

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points

Having spent only 12 months in barrel, this vintage of the producer’s Claret is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 34% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 3% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It opens in exotic floral and spice, with a juicy midpalate around soft, rounded tannins and smoothly integrated oak. It provides extraordinary value for the quality. Jul/2015 —Virginie Boone

Wine Advocate – 88 Points

The 2013 Claret, which is usually a 5,000 to 6,000-case cuvée, is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and the rest Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This boasts loads of Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, baking spices, and black and red currants in a delicious, soft, juicy style. It is exactly what it should be and even holds the promise of aging for 7-8 years. Mar/2016 —Robert Parker Jr.
David Ramey, who is one of the veterans of high-quality winemaking on California’s North Coast, worked in France and at some of the top Napa wineries (Rudd and Dominus) before settling in Healdsburg in Sonoma Valley. He continues to make Chardonnay in a Burgundian style with full malolactic fermentation, and now produces four single-vineyard Chardonnays as well as two generic efforts from the Russian River and Sonoma Coast.

Description

The 2013 Ramey Wine Cellars Claret is a testament to the artistry and precision of one of California’s most distinguished winemakers, David Ramey. Crafted from a masterful blend of Bordeaux varietals, this Claret captivates from the first pour. In the glass, it exhibits a deep garnet hue, offering a glimpse into the wine’s complexity and depth. The nose is a symphony of dark fruit aromas, with blackberries, cassis, and plums seamlessly interwoven with hints of cedar, tobacco, and a touch of mocha.

On the palate, the 2013 Claret unfolds with layers of flavors that showcase the exceptional fruit sourcing and meticulous winemaking. Ripe black fruit, accompanied by notes of dark chocolate and espresso, takes center stage. The wine’s structure is finely balanced, with velvety tannins contributing to a luxurious mouthfeel. The integration of oak is evident, providing subtle nuances that enhance the overall complexity.

Hailing from select vineyards across Napa Valley, the fruit for this Claret is sourced from diverse terroirs, each contributing unique characteristics to the final blend. The 2013 vintage, known for its balanced growing season, allowed for optimal ripening and flavor development.

As the wine lingers on the finish, it leaves a lasting impression of sophistication and harmony. The 2013 Ramey Wine Cellars Claret is a reflection of David Ramey’s commitment to producing wines that embody the essence of Napa Valley. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further development, this vintage stands as a tribute to Ramey’s pursuit of excellence and the timeless appeal of well-crafted California Claret.

Ramey Wine Cellars, founded by David Ramey and his wife Carla in 1996, represents a pinnacle of California winemaking, renowned for producing wines that embody elegance, balance, and a profound sense of place. David Ramey’s journey into winemaking traces back to his early experiences at the University of California, Davis, where he studied enology. Following this, he gained invaluable experience working with renowned winemakers, including Zelma Long at Simi Winery and Jean-Pierre Moueix in Bordeaux.

In 1980, David Ramey assumed the role of winemaker at Matanzas Creek Winery, where he garnered attention for crafting exceptional Chardonnay and Merlot. His innovative techniques, such as barrel fermentation and extended lees contact, set a new standard for California winemaking. Subsequently, Ramey moved to Chalk Hill Winery, solidifying his reputation for producing world-class Chardonnays.

In the mid-1990s, David and Carla Ramey decided to embark on their winemaking venture, founding Ramey Wine Cellars. The winery’s mission was clear—to create handcrafted wines that reflected the unique terroir of their selected vineyards across California. This vision has guided Ramey Wine Cellars to become a benchmark for high-quality, terroir-driven wines.

One of Ramey’s notable contributions to the industry is his commitment to single-vineyard expressions. He believes in the intrinsic qualities of individual vineyards and their influence on grape characteristics. This dedication is evident in Ramey Wine Cellars’ diverse portfolio, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Bordeaux-inspired blends, each showcasing the distinctiveness of their respective appellations.

The Chardonnays from Ramey Wine Cellars have consistently received acclaim for their complexity and balance. Utilizing traditional winemaking methods, including indigenous yeast fermentation and full malolactic fermentation, Ramey achieves wines that seamlessly marry richness with vibrancy. Similarly, the red wines, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs, reflect a commitment to expressing the unique character of the vineyards, combining opulence with structure.

David Ramey’s influence extends beyond his own winery. He has been instrumental in shaping the direction of California winemaking, and his consultancy work with various esteemed wineries reflects his expertise and collaborative spirit within the industry. The legacy of Ramey Wine Cellars lies not only in its outstanding wines but also in David Ramey’s enduring dedication to the art and science of winemaking. His ability to translate the essence of California’s diverse terroirs into the bottle has left an indelible mark on the landscape of American wine.

Professional Reviewer

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The Wine Advocaterobertparker.com WA
Wine Spectatorwinespectator.com WS
James Sucklingjamessuckling.com JS
Wine Enthusiastwinemag.com WE
The Wine Independentthewineindependent.com TWI
Allen Meadows —Burghoundburghound.com BH
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Winecgcw.com CGCW
Wine & Spiritswineandspiritsmagazine.com W&S
The Tasting Paneltastingpanelmag.com TP
Antonio Galloni —Vinous Mediavinous.com VM
Jancis Robinsonjancisrobinson.com JR
Stephen TanzerInternational Wine Cellar — IWC
Jeb Dunnuckjebdunnuck.com JD
Decanter Magazinedecanter.com D
Jane Anson —Inside Bordeauxjaneanson.com JA

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Wine & Spirits (W&S) • Wine Reviews with a Focus on Food Pairings and Sustainability •

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Jancis Robinson (JR) • One of the World’s Most Respected Wine Writers •

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Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar (IWC) • No-Nonsense Wine Criticism •

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